"Officially, we are still open, and we're going to stay open until I say (otherwise)," Kempf said.

The rumors began when the owners of Brauhaus' building started sniffing around for a new tenant, suggesting that Harry Kempf and his brother, Guenter, were planning to retire soon. The rumor caught on, and social media lit up with expressions of sadness at the restaurant's imminent demise.

It was like an online wake, except that the presumed guest of honor wasn't cooperating.

"Nothing is set until I decide," Kempf said, defiantly.

This much is absolutely true. After 52 years, the Kempf brothers sold the building that houses their restaurant.

"This is a hell of a good time in real estate to sell," Kempf said. "This used to be a (crappy) place; now it's beautiful.

"The deal for the real estate hasn't even closed yet," Kempf added, "and the people who bought it are looking to lease the space. But it's in my contract that I can pay those guys rent and stay open. I just took reservations for Easter."

It may indeed be true that the Kempf brothers are ready to call it a career sooner rather than later. But Harry Kempf wants that announcement, whenever it may come, to be made on his terms.

"What might happen in two months, three months, I will decide," he said. "I don't want to make any false impressions. The place is open and will stay open until I come out and say so.

"Nobody else will run Chicago Brauhaus after me, that's for sure."

Phil Vettel is a Tribune critic.

The Tribune's Food & Dining team is on the hunt for Chicago's best fried food. Why? Why not, we ask. From shatteringly crisp chicken (everyone's favorite) to crunchy, plump curlicues of shrimp, we're seeking out the city's best fried foods. Check back every day in March for a new dish to add to your fried bucket list.